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Welcome to Am I Infected

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Posted Tuesday, August 28, 2012

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Author
Topic: swallowing (Read 3282 times)

Im very scared. I've basically put my life on hold for the past 7 months worrying and beating myself up. About 7 months ago (first experience ever) I met up with a married stranger and gave him oral sex and swallowed. I brushed my teeth about 5 minutes after (whether that matters or not). He said he was tested two months prior and was clean. I also had a wisdom tooth extracted 2 months before. I am unbelievably afraid to test because I just couldn't face it so that's why I have placed my life on hold until I gain enough courage. I'm scared to date again because I couldn't imagine bei ng responsible for passing HIV to someone. Should I test? Is this such a low theoretical risk that testing isn't unnecessary? Please help, thank you.

The risk for HIV from giving oral is strictly theoretical. Could it happen that way? Yes, theoretically. But it is one of the most common of sexual activities and we would have known long before today if it was a for-real risk.

The reason it isn't is because your saliva has a dozen elements and proteins which very effectively prevent the transmission of viable HIV. There is no need for testing nor for further concern on your part.

I note that you used the term "clean" in referring to the other person's HIV status. HIV is not about being dirty or clean. It's about being HIV positive or negative. It is offensive to those who are living with the virus to use terms like "clean" and "dirty."

I don't see any cause for further concern on your part this time about HIV.

Thank you very much for your reply Andy. The term "clean" was not meant in a derogatory way. This whole experience has been humbling and in no way would I disrespect someone with this virus. With that said, do you think its safe for me to get back out in the dating world given my situation described earlier?

Yes, I do think you can resume dating a sexual life whenever you want to. And always being mindful of the need to use condoms everytime for either vaginal or anal intercourse.

There is no need for testing unless you need the inevtiable negative test result strictly for your peace of mind. Since it is so long after the event you were concerned about, you can test anytime now. But as I said, I mention that only for your peace of mind and not because I see a real need to test. Which I don't.

I'm new to this website. Could you give me a little back ground? Are the moderators all volunteers? Based on degrees or experience? I appreciate this forum and you all are helping so many people, so thank you.

So if you were in the same situation as me, then you would feel confident enough not to get tested based on all the studies done? Also can you get hepatitis from swallowing? I have gotten vaccinations for hepatitis b. I know this forum is strictly for HIV but i know you all probably are knowledgeable with this virus as well. Sorry for all the questions, its just a result of fear and shame.

If you have concerns about hepatitis I suggest you bring them up with your doctor. HCV is spread primarily by exposure to human blood. As far as HCV is concerned, sharing intravenous needles is a common source of infection. It has been known to be transmitted between sex partners but the degree of risk is believed to be low. It is not spread by food or water or casual contact.

As I said if you are really concerned you should talk about it with your doctor.

Chelsea2012, eventhough you mean well- Only those Moderators and members who are authorized to answer questions in the Am I Infected? forum are permitted do so. Unauthorized responses may be deleted without permission of the poster. Repeatedly posting replies of this nature may result in a Time Out or permanent ban, at the discretion of the Moderator Team.

Chelsea2012, eventhough you mean well- Only those Moderators and members who are authorized to answer questions in the Am I Infected? forum are permitted do so. Unauthorized responses may be deleted without permission of the poster. Repeatedly posting replies of this nature may result in a Time Out or permanent ban, at the discretion of the Moderator Team.

To summarize: I do NOT need to test over this incident. The studies shown that's oral and swallowing is only a theorized risk. Example, ghost are just a theory, there has never been proven documentation to make their existence a fact. Is this correct and is this basically the same parallel? Thank you

Could you just explain why? I believe you guys knows exactly what your talking about and I know you get sick of the same questions everyday but I really do need to be educated. All the other websites all say different things. My mind can't stop stressing.

Your saliva contains over a dozen elements and proteins which very effectively prevent the transmission of viable HIV when giving oral sex.

At this point I am going to warn you that we're not here to respond to every burst of doubt and fearful what if you have come to mind. If you return with more of the same you are going to find yourself getting a Time Out for at least 28 days from the site.

HIV is not your problem. And as long as you properly use a condom everytime for either vaginal or anal intercourse you will not have a problem with sexual risk for HIV.

I have removed your PM privilege. We do not permit people to use PMs as a means of getting around paying a subscription for participation in the Am I Infected forum.

You are not permitted to use PMs to ask questions dealing with hiv transmission and/or testing anyway.

If you read the Welcome Thread before posting like you're supposed to, you will have read the following posting guideline:

Quote

Do NOT use Private Messages to question other members about any transmission, testing or symptom issues. These issues must be discussed in the public forum. Misuse of the PM function in this manner will result in your PM privileges being removed without warning.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts